Foot Problems: Could You Be Wearing the Wrong Shoes?

Running and walking can exert extra pressure on your feet. We cram our feet into tight-fitting, stiff shoes; subject them to the unnatural angles of high heels; pound them on pavement and asphalt; smother them in airless socks and shoes; or simply stand on them for hours on end. It's no wonder that the skin, 26 bones, and intricate webbing of muscles and ligaments in each of our feet sometimes can't stand up to the pressure.

A Woman's Aching Feet

Many common foot ailments are related to choice of shoes, especially in women. In a survey by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Association (AOFAS), more than three-fourths of women had some kind of foot pain. That's no surprise when you consider that the majority of them were wearing shoes that were smaller than their feet! Footwear that is too tight, too loose, airtight, or shaped in unnatural ways can cause or aggravate problems.

Nearly half of all women have first-hand experience with the dull throb of aching feet. Although an increase in standing or walking may be the cause, the culprit is often ill-fitting shoes. Because the fat padding on the bottom of the feet thins out over time, older women may find that this problem increases with age.

Athlete's Foot

Despite its name,
athlete's Foot
isn't limited to long-distance runners or other athletes. The intense itching, burning, pain, and scaling that usually occurs between the toes or on the sole of the foot is caused by microscopic fungi. These microorganisms thrive in warm, moist places—shower floors and sweaty socks or tight-fitting shoes are favorite environments.

Blisters

Shoes that are too big or too small, or rough spots in shoes or socks can often rub against a sensitive spot on your foot. The body reacts by creating a fluid-filled sac known as a
blister
. The skin underneath the blister is quite tender, making blisters painful to walk on. Fortunately, they generally disappear on their own if kept clean and protected from further irritation.

Bunions

If you've noticed a lump on the side of your foot at the base of your big toe, it's probably a
bunion
. Bunions are caused when the base of the toe is pushed out of its normal position. This causes a bulge on the side of the foot that can be painful and inflamed. Rather than pointing straight ahead, the big toe will also frequently press against the other toes.

Corns and Calluses

The skin protects itself against repeated friction and pressure by building up hard layers of skin cells at the site of the irritation. The skin cells form round, kernel-like bumps, called
corns.
They are often found on top of or between the toes. Calluses usually form on the sole, but they can also occur elsewhere on the feet, and are thick, yellowish, and flat.

Hammer Toes

When one of the smaller toes takes on a claw-like appearance, it's called a
hammer toe
. Misalignment of the toe joints or muscle or nerve problems in the foot cause the toe to curl up instead of laying flat. People with diabetes are prone to developing hammertoes. Wearing shoes that are too short can also cause this problem.

Heel Pain

Flat feet, high arches, or physical activity such as running can trigger inflammation and soreness in the plantar fascia ligament. This ligament runs between the heel and the ball of your foot. The resulting inflammation is called
plantar fasciitis
.

Pain from plantar fasciitis usually comes with the first steps of the day or after long periods of inactivity. Plantar fasciitis may also lead to calcium deposits called heel spurs at the point where the fascia attaches to the heel. Both plantar fasciitis and heel spurs may be due to poorly fitting shoes, a sudden increase in physical activity, or foot stress due to sudden weight gain.

Combination of relative rest, shoe orthotics, and gentle stretching will take care of the problem in most situations.

Buying Shoes

Any injury to the foot can impact your ability to move. High heels and pointy-toed fashion shoes are natural adversaries to your feet. Although the angle of high heels may make your legs look long and graceful, it also increases pressure on the toes and upsets your balance. Keep your use of high heels to a minimum and opt for flats instead.

Sport-specific shoes are engineered to provide the support, motion control, and cushioning that minimize foot injuries associated with a particular activity. Sports shoes can also be worn every day. However, they will lose their cushioning effect over time and should be replaced if the lining no longer bounces back when you press on it.

Remember to check shoes for air flow—do they have porous fabric or air holes so that your feet can breathe? The toe should be more rounded than pointed, resembling the natural shape of the foot. With one hand on the heel and the other on the toe, try to bend the shoe—does it give? If it doesn't flex, it's probably too stiff. Next, place the shoe on the floor and push it forward—is there any resistance? Shoes with poor tread design or smooth bottoms can lead to slips and falls.

Although shoe construction certainly matters, fit is really the key element in keeping your feet healthy. Consider getting your feet measured. Your feet may well have increased in size as you age. Be sure to shop for shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are larger due to activity. Measure both feet, since they are often different sizes, and always fit to the larger size. Allow 1/2" of room between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Feel along the sides of the shoe while it's on your foot to check that the widest part of your foot corresponds with the widest part of the shoe. Take a test stroll across the store to verify that the shoe flexes when you walk, and that your heel doesn't slip in and out. Wear the hosiery or socks you expect to wear with the shoes.

The most important test of all is completely subjective: Are they comfortable? A particular pair of shoes may look great, but if they're going to leave you sore or limping, leave them in the store. Be kind to your feet—they've got to carry you a long way.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.